Dear Neighbor,
As 2025 comes to a close, I reflect on the accomplishments we have achieved and the many challenges that our communities still face. Thank you for trusting me to serve you, and I hope you and your family have a Happy New Year!
Wreaths Across America
The holiday season is often filled with memories of our loved ones who are no longer with us. Participating in Wreaths Across America was a meaningful way to honor their service, remember their sacrifice, and teach future generations the value of freedom. I am grateful to everyone who helped place wreaths in Newcastle and elsewhere in the country and took time to reflect on the men and women who gave so much for our country.
Click here or the picture below to watch the recap video.
The Build Line Podcast
I had a great time joining Heather Tankersley and Jerry Brewer on The Build Line Podcast. We covered a wide range of topics from my career path and the realities of running a business in California to the current state of the construction industry.
I also shared the story behind Senate Bill 517, legislation I authored this year focused on transparency and accountability among ADU contractors. Addressing unlicensed contracting and the underground economy matters for both homeowners and reputable contractors. Check out the podcast here.
Successful Casework Story
A local resident contacted my District Office after facing significant delays in obtaining her Phlebotomy Technician certification despite completing her rigorous training and submitting all paperwork a month prior. This delay became a barrier to employment.
My staff stepped in and worked directly with the California Department of Public Health to advocate on her behalf, and she received her hard-earned certification to begin a new career in healthcare. If you or someone you know is struggling to navigate a state agency or professional licensing board, please reach out to my office. We are here to make government work for you.
Placer County Town Hall
At the town hall with Placer County Supervisor Bonnie Gore, it was great to have face-to-face discussions with our constituents on local issues like e-bikes, crime, and new developments in the foothills as well as the legislative overview. Thank you to everyone who came out and engaged in the conversation!
Click here or the picture below to watch the recap video.
Budget Priorities
Californians are paying more and getting less. The problem is not a lack of money but years of bad spending priorities. With an $18 billion deficit on the horizon, I led the effort to set budget priorities for the California Senate Republicans to get back to basics, ensure results, and improve the quality of life for all.
In our letter, Senate Republicans called for the budget to focus on:
- Lowering housing costs for renters and helping more Californians buy homes
- Keeping Californians safe from crime and wildfires
- Supporting hospitals and access to care for rural Californians
- Eliminating fraud in Medi-Cal and other assistance programs
- Investing in water and emergency services for disasters and droughts
- Funding for UC and CSU so students can afford to stay and learn in California
- Supporting job creators by reducing the Unemployment Insurance debt burden placed on them
Niello in the News
Citrus Heights Messneger: “Niello On Legislation, Budget Concerns”
“He pointed to district offices in Rancho Cordova and Roseville as resources for constituents. “Our district staff is a resource for anybody if you need help with anything in the state,” Niello said. The senator detailed several areas of focus, including regulatory reform, the state budget and his recent legislative efforts, noting that five of his bills advanced through the Legislature this year.”
The Review-Journal: “Editorial: Rolling in money but still drowning in red ink”
““The state must assess the effectiveness and sustainability of the programs that were created during the surplus and make necessary corrections,” state Sen. Roger Niello, the GOP vice chair of the Senate Budget Committee, said in a statement, according to CalMatters.”
California Competes: “Designing a Master Plan for Tomorrow: A Conversation with Senator Roger Niello”
It was great to be a guest on Degrees of Change, a podcast from California Competes, where I serve as a board member. I joined Dr. Su Jin Jez for a conversation about the essential connection between higher education and California's economy.
I've seen how critical higher education is to workforce development and how important it is to prepare students for not only today’s job market but jobs that will exist for years to come. As ice hockey great Wayne Gretzky once said, we need to "play where the puck is going to be."
It’s an honor to serve you.
Sincerely‚
ROGER NIELLO
Senator‚ Sixth District